The Truscott Arms, the much loved pub and restaurant in Maida Vale, was closed unexpectedly this August after the freeholder tripled the rent. 62 people lost their jobs. The Friends of the Truscott Arms is the Asset of Community Value Committee dedicated to re-opening the building as a pub.

Westminster Council has now notified us that the freeholder intends to sell the building. We also understand, from another source, that a reputable pub operating company may be interested in buying the building.

So far, so good. But we also know, from bitter experience elsewhere, that no deal is done until the ink is dry. We will only relinquish our rights to attempt to acquire the premises ourselves once we have the proper assurances that Truscott will re-open as a pub.

Our first task is to retain the services of an expert planning consultant - Dale Ingram of Planning 4 Pubs - to advise us of the best route forward. That's why we need to raise £500 right now.

Give generously and raise a glass to the Truscott Arms.